Important Han imperial palace mirror

This bronze mirror is marked ”Chan Le Wei Yan” (長樂未央) the famous grand palaces of Western Han “Chan Le” (長樂宮) and “Wei Yan” (未央宮); obviously it was for the palaces’ use. (Although there is another explanation that these four words were a common phrase then expressing good wishes for everlasting happiness.) It is very well molded with very gently curved reflecting surface (very unusual).  The back has a curved band at the outer edge, a broad band of decoration consisting four suns on four corners, interconnected with these 4-worded mark.  It used advanced foundry techniques of 2200 years ago to make this fine and elaborated line decoration.   Ancient mirrors with imperial palace mark are very rare; thus this mirror is of historical importance and high technical achievement, and an artistic treasure. 
西漢“長樂未央宮”鏡

Size: 3.75 in. (9.52 cm.) Dia.

Weight: 150 grams.  

Provenance: From Dr. Robert I-San Lin, a senior Chinese artwork appraiser, whose grandfather was a major Chinese antique dealer in early 1900s. (Dr. Lin’s bio, published in Journal of Authentication of Artworks, 2015, is available on request).    Brought to California in 1960s.